Beginning Braces

To summarize: If you ever have to have some serious dental work done, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry, or if they offer Halcion for you to take before your appointment.

Yesterday was the long dreaded appointment for 2 root canals and some gum work. Because I'm such an anxious, difficult patient, I was given a small pill (Halcion) to take 1 hour before my appointment, with STRICT instructions to arrange a ride to/from the dentist's office.

I took the pill, and had my dad come pick me up. I was grumbling about needing a ride, because I felt fine. I didn't think I needed any help...

As it turns out, we were a few minutes early for my appointment, so I was sitting in the truck waiting for the office to open (I was the first appointment of the day). All of a sudden, it hit me... wow. Apparently I was a tad loopy, but all I can really recall is that I really wanted to have a nap. When it came time to get out of the truck and into the office, I also had trouble... Gravity and I were apparently having a few issues. It almost felt like I was drunk, and very tired.

As I sat in the dentist's chair, I was able to have a coherent conversation with the staff - as long as I was sitting or laying down I was fine, just a tad sleepy. We discussed the orthodontic work, and my root canals, etc, etc. Then my dentist asked me how I was feeling, and if I wanted anything more. Apparently I was a still a little more coherent that she would've liked! So she gave me an Ativan...

I was in the friggin' chair for 4 and a half hours!!!! I was sleepy through the whole thing, and sorta half-out of it, but even severely doped up it's impossible to sleep through root canals. I did close my eyes and try to sleep a few times, but I kept having these odd hallucinations/daydreams. I only asked for more freezing a few times, which must be a new record for me. A lot of the time was spent doing reconstructive work (preparing 2 root-canalled teeth for orthodontics) so it wasn't as if it would've been extremely painful the entire time, but that was the easiest appointment I've had in a long time, with the exception of the length. Getting up and trying to pay for the work was interesting as I was still feeling drunk and was swearing at gravity in general, but I did get through it. Although I should check to see if I remembered to get my credit card back!

When all was said and done, my dad bought me a milkshake, and I went home and slept off the effects of the drugs. My only complaint is that I'm still feeling rather groggy the next morning. I have a feeling it's the Ativan - it spends much longer in your system than Halcion. My jaw is still sore as well, but that's to be excepted after over 4 hours with bite blocks and a dental dam.

Regardless, I'd take those wonderful little pills next time, no questions asked.